[Royalty Arc 16] The Throne

The flickering firelight cast shadows on Duke Arthur's determined face as he locked eyes with Lance, an air of calm confidence surrounding him.

Lance responded with a knowing smile, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still in the midst of their silent exchange.

Finally, Duke Arthur looked away, the crackling fire providing an opportune distraction. "It doesn't matter anymore," he muttered.

Lance, feeling mischievous, playfully raised an eyebrow and teased, "Oh, I thought you might have fallen for me.~"

Duke Arthur's expression remained stoic, not rising to the bait.

After a prolonged silence, Duke Arthur shifted the conversation. "Being too shameless in front of your husband's brother could be a double-edged sword."

Duke Arthur then gazed out at the night sky. "No matter what the De Vere Dukedom intends, I advise you not to become entangled. Being a King's Consort is safer than being a King's subject. Stay out of it, and your life will be spared."

Lance countered, "Your Grace, would you have me watch my own family perish due to the King's paranoia?"

Duke Arthur frowned, "Why place your hope in me? My future is uncertain. Staying with the King may be safer for you. If you shielded him today, he would value your loyalty more than any bond of friendship."

Lance continued with a sigh, "Your Grace has misunderstood one crucial thing. It's not your intentions that matter, but mine. With a King so suspicious of both my family and his own harem, I live under a constant shadow of fear. I don't want this life."

Duke Arthur furrowed his brows, his irritation evident. "I promise you, should I ever be the King, I won't bring harm to you or your family."

["Is it true that my favorability with him is only at 20?"] He asked 007.

Lance continued, ["A promise like this should not be possible from a man that does not like me!"]

007 responded, ["I've double-checked, and it remains at 20%. Maybe... Duke Arthur is just too straight?"]

Lance smiled, satisfied with Duke Arthur's promise. "Thank you, Your Grace, for your words. Does this mean you're willing to cooperate with the De Vere Dukedom?"

"I don't think it is appropriate," Duke Arthur spoke.

But Lance interjected firmly, "I'd advise against fleeing. If you decide to leave, do so openly. If you disappear for too long after this incident, King Alexander will suspect and find a way to label you as a traitor."

Duke Arthur admitted, "I understand your worry, but I had no other option."

Lance stood and walked up to Duke Arthur, "This is precisely why Your Grace and the De Vere Dukedom should collaborate. They can help you build support and leave the main city discreetly. I can also provide you with timely information from the Royal Family. What are your thoughts?"

With a sly smile, Lance tiptoed, staring at Duke Arthur's eyes, "I possess information that even you cannot obtain. I can keep you informed about everything related to King Alexander, no matter how insignificant."

Duke Arthur sneered for the first time, "Is Butler Cheron under your employ?"

Lance squinted his eyes so that Duke Arthur couldn't see any chance in his pupils, maintaining a mysterious air, "Some things are better left to your imagination, Your Grace."

Duke Arthur, still reeling from the revelation, recalled how deeply King Alexander trusted Butler Cheron. The fact that there were hidden aspects to Butler Cheron was surprising.

Lance decided not to give Duke Arthur too much time to ponder and probed, "What is the Duke's answer?"

Duke Arthur, now willing to cooperate, inquired, "How do you plan to prove what you said is true?"

Lance turned the question around, "How do I know when you enter the Royal Castle?"

Realising that Lance had insider information about the Royal Castle, Duke Arthur nodded in agreement.

"Very well, we can cooperate. However, I won't promote the De Vere Dukedoms status. But if they are talented, they won't be suppressed."

"Agreed."

Lance understood the limits of those in power. His primary goal was making sure De Vere Dukedom survived.

If Lance had tried to favour King Alexander, he might have not stripped them of their title but he would undoubtedly exert more control, making it challenging for future generations of the De Vere Dukedom to rise.

With Duke Arthur's commitment, Lance felt satisfied.

["Does this mean our Original Owner's wish is complete once Duke Arthur becomes the King? Thereby, saving the De Vere Dukedom?"]

007 suggested, ["It's possible that Duke Arthur might not succeed. You should explore alternatives."]

Lance contemplated, ["I could even provide Duke Arthur with the Royal Castle's floor plan. With the right strategy, victory should be assured."]

As he finished speaking, Lance suddenly paused, realising he might have unknowingly caused history to change for this world.

He gazed at Duke Arthur, who seemed emotionless as ever. Duke Arthur's eyes met his, and the firelight reflected a warmth within them.

With a reassuring smile, Lance affirmed, "Your Grace is doing nothing wrong, you are worthy of the title King."

Duke Arthur felt a stirring deep within, his heart surging with determination. He placed his hand over his chest, an unspoken vow forming.

Lance had placed all his bets on Duke Arthur becoming king. His plans had to succeed.